Architecture Decision Log (ADL)

An Architecture Decision Log (ADL) is the collection of all [[Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)]] created and maintained for a particular project or organization.

Purpose

An ADL serves as:

• A centralized repository of architectural decisions
• A historical record of how the system evolved
• A reference for understanding past decisions and their context
• A tool for onboarding new team members
• A way to track decision states and changes over time

Organization

ADLs are typically organized by:

• Chronological order (by decision date)
• Status (proposed, accepted, deprecated, etc.)
• Domain or subsystem
• Related [[Architecturally-significant Requirements (ASRs)]]

Related Concepts

• [[Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)]] — the individual records that make up an ADL
• [[Architecture Decision (AD)]] — the decisions documented in ADRs
• [[Architecturally-significant Requirement (ASR)]]
• [[Engineering Strategy]]

Definition based on standard software architecture practice.